Insinuating and extremely clever, this insightful, low-key thriller takes a provocative look into the life of a man whose world begins to unravel around him.
Comment
09/29/07
Michael Clayton (2007)
90
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:189
Fresh:170
Rotten:19
Average Rating:7.6/10
Consensus: Michael Clayton is one of the most sharply scripted films of 2007, with an engrossing premise and faultless acting. Director Tony Gilroy succeeds not only in capturing the audience's attention, but holding it until the credits roll.
Theatrical Release:28-09-2007
Synopsis: Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is what is known in the legal world as a "fixer," or in the character's own pejorative version, a "janitor" who cleans up legal messes for VIPs and corporations on... [More]
Starring: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack
Director: Tony Gilroy
Reviews for Michael Clayton
Clooney has seldom been better as Clayton, a man beginning to feel that his skill is not exactly being put to good uses.
09/29/07
The real triumph is Clooney's, his award-worthy work confirming his status as this generation's most watchable leading man.
09/29/07
A potentially corny plot is stylishly executed, abetted by a perfect cast.
09/29/07
Expertly paced, tautly written and superbly cast, it may turn out to be the most auspicious debut of the year.
09/29/07
Not a bundle of laughs but a brilliant and compelling drama. This is Clooney at his very best.
09/28/07
A somewhat far-fetched, melodramatic ending restores some self-esteem to Clayton. But not before we have seen the weariness and anger chip away at that handsome face.
09/28/07
Top CriticThere’s a great George Clooney film in here somewhere, but you have to look mighty hard to find it.
09/28/07
Gorgeous George is wonderfully jaundiced as Michael Clayton, an amoral corporate lawyer who has made his name by defending the indefensible.
09/28/07
Top CriticA good fix from a good fixer.
09/28/07
A dark, engaging drama that asks some difficult moral questions, Michael Clayton is a classy piece of filmmaking with yet another in a long line of fine performances from George Clooney.
09/28/07
Top CriticContinuing to seek out writer/directors with something to say, Clooney’s latest pair-up packs its anti-corporate agenda with enough meat to keep you hooked.
09/28/07
It's all very smooth, but the problem is it's also a bit anodyne and unlikely to hold up in comparisons to Clooney's other 'serious' films, whose stories have more to offer underneath the polish.
09/28/07
Top CriticThink old chewing gum with a masculine flavour.
09/28/07
It's a cool, intelligent thriller and boasts a closing confrontation between Clooney and Swinton that is truly stand-out.
09/28/07
This offers moments of suspense, some pointed scenes and star charisma, but it’s also a touch confused. Heads will be scratched before they roll.
09/28/07
Top CriticImpressively directed, superbly acted thriller, but it moves too slowly to really engage the audience and ultimately works better as a character study.
09/27/07
A slow, moody and insomniac thriller which wears its social conscience very much on its sleeve.
09/15/07
Equates serious inquiry with inert filmmaking
08/27/09
Clooney's latest venture into panache is thriller style in Michael Clayton.
02/02/09
Latest News for Michael Clayton
May 11, 2009:
RT Interview: Tilda Swinton on Julia
One of the most diverse and celebrated talents of her generation, the directors on Tilda Swinton's CV represent a veritable who's who of independent cinema and include David... More...
May 27, 2008:
Sydney Pollack: A Retrospective
With two Oscar wins and plenty more nominations under his belt, Sydney Pollack was a filmmaker that Hollywood admired. He was also a proven actor's director whose fruitful... More...
May 26, 2008:
Sydney Pollack dies aged 73
Academy Award-winning director, producer and actor, Sydney Pollack, dies aged 73. More...
April 11, 2008:
Script Review: Tony Gilroy's Duplicity 
Tony Gilroy's follow-up to Michael Clayton -- the Clive Owen/Julia Roberts-led Duplicity -- is filming now, and Latino Review is offering a review of the script. More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Fresh Links
Featured
RT on YouTube
Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.
RT on Twitter
Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.
IGN RSS Feeds